Help Us Bring Javi Home

I am Bruce Barber and Isail Javier "Javi" Salazar Escobar and I have been dating for a little over one year. Javi is a native Venezuelan who fled his country after being beaten by the police for being gay. He and 12 of his gay friends walked from Venezuela to the US Border Crossing point at El Paso, TX, where they presented themselves to the Border Patrol seeking political asylum. Their journey took them one month and 18 days. This was in April 2023.

On Monday, August 4, 2025, what should have been a routine five-minute check-in at the immigration facility in Philadelphia turned into a nightmare. Javi was unexpectedly detained — without explanation — and held for over two hours before being taken into custody by ICE.

Javi has no criminal charges, no convictions, no tattoos, and no history of trouble. He is neither a gang member nor does he use or peddle drugs. He has followed every legal and immigration requirement (he has a current active application for political asylum) to the letter for the past 2.5 years since legally entering the United States. He is a kind, hardworking, and valued member of our community who wants to continue building a life in the United States and is fearful for his well-being should he be forced to return to Venezuela, his country of origin.

Javi and I have retained a lawyer to fight for Javi’s release, to plead his case for political asylum in immigration court, and to keep him from being unjustly deported. But legal fees are costly, and time is critical. Sadly, until his case is adjudicated, Javi must remain in prison, and there is nothing we can do about that.

We’re asking for your support — whether through a donation, a share, or simply your prayers. Every bit of help makes a difference. All funds will go directly toward legal expenses and ensuring Javi has the best possible chance to stay with his loved ones, in the only home he’s known for years. Our legal fees will be significantly higher than what we are indicating here -- we, too, are invested.

Thank you for standing with Javi during this incredibly difficult time. Your support means the world to us.

~ Javi Salazar Escobar & Bruce Barber